Chapter 6 - The Summit of SovereignsIn late May 2026, the grand ballroom of the Drake Hotel in Chicago was packed to absolute capacity for the annual Chicago Maritime & Civic Gala—the very event I had been coordinating six months earlier.
This time, I didn't enter through the service door carrying clipboards or coffee cups.
I stepped through the main entrance wearing an magnificent ivory silk evening gown, holding the arm of Victor Castle.
Over five hundred prominent business leaders, supreme court justices, Bridget Colton, Marcus Vance, and international delegates stood up, applauding as we walked down the central red carpet toward the head table.
My former boss from Luminara Events stood near the press line, staring at me in absolute, wide-eyed wonder, bowing her head in deep respect as I passed.
Victor adjusted his cuffs, looking down at me with pure, unreserved pride.
"They used to fear my name in this city, Hazel," Victor whispered softly as we took our seats at the head table.
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"And now, my love?" I asked, smiling warmly.
"Now," Victor answered, kissing my knuckles beneath the glittering chandeliers, "they respect our legacy."
